Buying a house on the Costa Blanca in 5 steps

Yes. Citizens of the European Union can buy a property in Spain without any restrictions.

British and other non-EU buyers can also purchase property in Spain without restrictions — Brexit has not changed the right of UK nationals to own a home here. Do bear in mind that as a non-EU national your stay is limited to 90 days per 180-day period, unless you hold a visa or residence permit.

You don't need a residence permit to become the owner of a property. You do, however, need a NIE number, the Spanish identification number for foreigners. We guide our clients through the entire application.

For an existing property, the buying process usually takes between four and eight weeks. For new-build, this depends on the construction phase and the planned completion date.

Throughout the entire journey, we keep you informed of every step.

Not always. Thanks to the European SEPA payment system, many payments can these days simply be made via a Belgian, Dutch or other European bank account.

Even so, many owners choose to open a Spanish account because it can make certain practical matters easier, such as paying for utilities, community charges or local taxes.

Whether a Spanish bank account is useful for you depends on your situation and how you use the property. We're happy to look into this together with you.

The NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number for foreigners in Spain.

You need it to buy a property, connect utilities, pay taxes and for virtually every administrative procedure in Spain. We guide our clients through the application so that everything is done correctly.

That depends on the type of property and the region.

For an existing property, many buyers reckon on around 12% on top of the purchase price on average. For new-build, different taxes and costs apply, which means the total purchase costs can vary from one project and region to another.

For every property, we draw up a personal cost calculation so that you know exactly where you stand.

Yes. Many Spanish banks provide mortgages to foreign buyers who do not live permanently in Spain.

The conditions vary from bank to bank and depend on income, age, financial situation and the type of property. We're happy to put you in touch with specialist mortgage advisers who compare the various options.

Yes, provided the purchase is handled correctly.

That's why we always work with independent solicitors who check the title deed, permits, debts and legal documents before the purchase is completed. This way, unpleasant surprises are avoided and you can buy with complete peace of mind.

Among other things, an independent solicitor checks: ownership rights, any debts or charges, building permits, the town-planning situation, energy certificates, habitation documents and bank guarantees in the case of new-build.

These legal checks form an important protection for the buyer.

Yes. With a notarised power of attorney, a solicitor or representative can carry out certain steps on your behalf.

Even so, we recommend visiting a property in person at least once before you make a final decision. After all, you don't buy a property on the basis of photos alone, but also on the basis of feeling, surroundings and location.

With an existing property, you buy a home that has already been built and lived in. With new-build, you buy a brand-new home, sometimes even while it is still under construction.

Both options have their own advantages in terms of price, completion, guarantees, energy performance and purchase costs. Which option suits you best depends on your wishes and plans.

After signing, you officially become the owner of the property.

After that, the title deed is registered, the utilities are transferred and any administrative formalities are completed. Even after the purchase, we continue to support our clients whenever needed.

As an owner, you typically pay: property tax (IBI), waste collection tax, non-resident tax (where applicable), community charges (where applicable), water and electricity, and home insurance.

The exact costs vary from one property and location to another. That's why we always give our clients a clear overview of the known annual costs in advance.

Yes. Many owners combine their own use with holiday rentals.

Depending on the region, the urbanisation and the type of property, certain permits or rental licences may be required. We're happy to inform you about the possibilities and the current regulations.

That depends on your lifestyle.

Those who want to live close to the sea often choose places such as Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, Jávea or Moraira. Those looking for more space, peace and nature are increasingly discovering the inland areas around Hondón de las Nieves, Aspe, Pinoso or the surrounding valleys.

During a personal conversation, we'll help you discover which region best matches your wishes.

For years, the Costa Blanca has been among the most popular regions in Spain, thanks to more than 300 days of sunshine a year, excellent international flight connections, beautiful beaches and nature reserves, a relaxed lifestyle, good healthcare, attractive property prices and a wide choice of apartments, villas and fincas.

As a result, the region remains exceptionally popular with buyers from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and other European countries.

Because buying a property in Spain takes more than property knowledge alone.

With more than 25 years of experience, we guide our clients personally, honestly and in their own language. From the very first viewing to the notary, and even long afterwards.

We don't believe in quick sales, but in lasting relationships, honest advice and satisfied owners. That's the reason why so many clients recommend us to family, friends and acquaintances.